Filed In: Guerlain

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade, Un Soir À L’Opéra, Christmas 2014 Collection

October 8, 2014

Part of Guerlain’s Un Soir À l’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection (see previous reviews here & here), Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade will coat your lips in an ultra-glamourous rich ruby brilliance. Drawing on the deep red of velvet theatre curtains as inspiration, this is a shade that is steeped in glamour, elegance, and sophistication – with a healthy dose of sexy thrown in for good measure.

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade (ingredients list)

Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade, Limited Edition (CAN $33.00) | A deep crimson hue with blue undertones in the base. Thanks to the clear acrylic octagon-shaped tube, you not only see the shade you’re getting, but can monitor usage levels. The slightly up-tilted sponge applicator holds a small reservoir in its base, retrieving the right amount of gloss from the tube with every application. Lightly scented with a vanilla “floriental” (top notes: lemon, orange and bergamot accord, heart notes: rose and iris, dry-down: vanilla and tonk a bean), it approaches the senses delicately – I only notice it upon opening the tube and again upon initial application. Intensely colour saturated and highly pigmented, #920 Rouge Parade feels incredibly lightweight upon application; in fact, if not for the colour, I don’t feel like I’m putting anything on. The gloss factor is outstanding, although it does tone down through any eating or drinking. Longevity is excellent as well; I am able to get minimum 8 hours wear and minimal migrating into any fine lip lines (rather surprising for such a vivid hue).

The mega-watt shine of #920 Rouge Parade, is immediately apparent upon application, and within minutes, this silky product seems to melt right in; as my lips are rather deeply lined, the effect is as though the gloss fills in said lines and makes my lips seem that much fuller as a result. Throughout the wearing, I experience no stickiness or oily film, and definitely none of that pulling-away-from-the-inner-lips syndrome (hate that – where you have this blank space on the inner portion of the lips that no amount of gloss seems to want to cover). I absolutely LOVE how hydrating this gloss is and even long after all traces of colour are gone, I’m left with a lightly stained “bitten-lips” look, and a bonus super moisturized feeling as well.

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade

Nothing says holiday makeup like the ubiquitous red lip and what makes #920 Rouge Parade stand out, is the fact that you get: intense colour, a brilliant shine, and a smaller commitment than applying lipstick might involve, although the highly pigmented nature of this shade means you can’t just whip it out and apply mirror-free either. Absolutely stunning on its own or even layered over a similar hue for more depth, this is most definitely priced on the steep side for a gloss (although not as high as some other luxury brands), but it’s #920 Rouge Parade‘s impressive qualities – in terms of colour, application, and hydrating properties – that make it worth a look, especially for fans of that perfectly sultry red lip.

Available at all Guerlain counters as of November 1, visit www.guerlain.com for more information on the entire product range

*Disclosure: Press sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | Météorites Perles d’Étoile, Un Soir À L’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection

September 27, 2014

Today marks the 4th year since I began my blog, and to celebrate this milestone, I bring you something so very special: your first look at the Météorites Perles d’Étoile, Limited Edition from the Guerlain Un Soir À L’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection (more details about the entire collection here). With luxurious golden touches and hints of rich ruby throughout, the collection is inspired by the opulence, glamour, and slightly wicked decadence of Imperial Russia.

The pièce de résistance of this collection (at least, for me), is without a doubt this year’s limited edition Météorites release – Perles d’Étoile (star pearls), individual spheres of illuminating face powder in tones of alabaster, pearl, petal, light gold, pale bronze and a few plum added for depth & slight colour. According to the the company, the 6 individual tones of the Perles d’Étoile (NOTE: I’m showing only 5 in my photo below) have ‘three targeted benefits; correcting, light-enhancing, and unifying colours for a healthy looking complexion‘. The pearls bear the signature violet Guerlain scent – quite redolent upon first opening the tin, but which fades from the senses rather quickly upon application. The container is a golden metal tin with hammered detail all around, calling to mind the exquisite work seen on legendary Fabergé Eggs, while the lid bears a raised bow on top with touches of red in the loops/lining to match the satin bow of the red powder puff included within.

Trying to properly express the effect of any Météorites face powder on the skin, is a challenge; Guerlain calls these powders “illuminating” and they most definitely are that, but so much more as well. So finely milled that it applies like a gossamer veil to the skin, the Perles d’Étoile is generally a warmer leaning face powder, but again, by shifting the contents in the container and focusing more on the lighter hues found within, one can easily alter the composition so that it appears slightly cooler. In using more of the darker pearls, you can apply even turn this powder into a subtle, glowy type of flush along the cheeks – not quite a bronzer nor a blush, but something that almost appears to radiate from within. A bonus side-effect to wearing Perles d’Étoile on my oily/combination skin, is that it appears to fuse with my skin’s natural oils to create a gorgeous subtle glow, all while keeping excess shine away.

A light dusting all over the face (don’t leave out the neck and collarbone, for a unifyingly seamless finish), gives skin the perfect finishing touch but it’s something you really can’t put your finger on; it’s an effect that needs to be seen to be properly understood – you will literally say “wow, my makeup looks so amazing today”. As if I needed further proof, after application when even my husband remarks how lovely my face looks, that’s the icing on the cake – along with the only confirmation I need to hear.

Odessa Opera House, Ukraine (source)

Guerlain | Météorites Perles D’Étoile (LE), Un Soir À L’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection

For years, I had been hearing fellow beauty enthusiasts rave about these miracle powders from Guerlain, but every time I tested one at the counter, I always walked away unimpressed. THAT, was my mistake. To see/understand how this face powder functions, a better test would be to visit a Guerlain counter, and have it applied to half your face and then look in the mirror. Better still, wear it that way for several hours and then look in the mirror again. Trust me, only then will you be convinced. For warmer complexions, the Météorites Perles d’Étoile is truly spectacular, although as I said earlier, cooler complexions can still make this work beautifully as well. All I know, is that every time I apply this powder (which I’ve been doing constantly since it arrived), I feel like a princess. A Russian princess.

The Météorites Perles d’Étoile (CAN $67.00) is part of the limited edition Guerlain Un Soir À L’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection and will become available at counters as of November 1st. Follow Guerlain via:

*Disclosure: Press sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | Christmas Colour Collection 2014 (Limited Edition)

September 23, 2014

This holiday season, Guerlain takes us back to the opulence of Imperial Russia with the Christmas Colour Collection 2014. These limited edition products with their gold packaging and luxurious ruby details throughout, echo the grandeur of that era: picture taking a ride in an ornately embellished horse-drawn gilt carriage with the snow swirling above, while you’re wrapped up snugly in [faux] fur pelts. Or sitting in a velvet-esconced box at the theatre, opera glasses held in satin-lined & elbow-length gloves, waiting to enjoy a performance of Swan Lake by the Bolchoï Ballet. Or indulging in the finest Belugan caviar.

My inner Russian princess is showing…

For the first time since its creation in 1937, Guerlain has reproduced Coque d’Or‘s original bottle and reinterpreted it in golden-lacquered glass adorned with a vibrant red bulb, but filling it with a light-as-air loose powder to add a shimmering veil to hair or skin. The Petrouchka Palette with its beautifully curated golden/bronze eye colours and assortment of blush shades is as wearable as it is lovely to behold, while the warm hues of the Météorites Perles d’Étoile in their gold-toned metal tin will not only enhance your complexion, but call to mind exquisitely-crafted Fabergé Eggs. Scarlet siren lips, luminous eye shadows and nails tipped in gold all add the finishing touches and voilà – the season is officially on.

The Christmas Colour Collection 2014 (Limited Edition) launches at Guerlain counters November 1st

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Coque D’Or Spray Powder (CAN $105.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Petrouchka Eye & Blush Palette (CAN $95.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Petrouchka Eye & Blush Palette

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Météorites Perles d’Étoile (CAN $67.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Météorites Perles d’Étoile

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Rouge G Parade (CAN $56.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Écrin 2 Couleurs #10 Cygne Noir (CAN $51.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Écrin 2 Couleurs #11 Cygne Blanc (CAN $51.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Gloss d’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade (CAN $33.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | Gloss d’Enfer #901 L’Oiseau de Feu (CAN $33.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | La Lacque Couleur Coque d’Or (CAN $27.00)

Guerlain Christmas Colour Collection 2014 | La Lacque Couleur Top Coat Oiseau de Feu (CAN $27.00)

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*Images credit: PR for Guerlain

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition

July 10, 2014

As it’s my birthday today, I decided to post something celebratory to mark the occasion: this little beauty I picked up several weeks ago (along with one more item from this collection, the Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Terracotta Le Parfum – review coming soon).

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Guerlain has created a unique and limited edition product, the Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush 30th Anniversary Edition. Housed in a gorgeous case patterned with a golden sun on top, this is truly a work of art and a spectacular homage to the line.

It doesn’t hurt the cause, that this is one of the most amazing and sublime bronzers I have ever tried.

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition

Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush 30th Anniversary Edition (CAN $84.00) – I’m a total sucker for beautiful packaging, and the casing of this product definitely falls into that category. The smooth and domed composite wood case bears a round golden disc on the cover emblazoned with a sun image – along with the brands’s initials – and has a luxurious heft to it, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. Held together with 3 magnetic clasps, it opens easily by grasping the bottom half in one hand and the top half in the other, then twisting in opposite directions. Once open cue angelic music you can’t help but take a moment (or 10) to admire its well-crafted beauty.

Created to be both a bronzer as well as a blush, the Terracotta Sun Celebration is divided into 4 equal segments, with 2 of the sections devoted to the bronzer part (a warm tan colour), 1 section a peach toned blush, and the remaining section a deep rose blush. There is also a gold sun embossed in the center of the palette, but it’s basically an overspray and designed to fade after using a few uses. Another departure from the traditional Guerlain Terracotta bronzers which typically bear the brand’s signature violet scent, is the heavenly aroma of the Tiaré flower that the Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush is infused with, although once applied, it seems to quickly fade into the background (at least according to my nose).

Each section is relatively easy to use on its own, although you will have to use a narrower brush to pick up the individual blush shades, if desired. As the 2 bronzer sections face each other, it’s a simple matter to sweep your brush across them both for a solo bronzed look. The powder itself is so exceptionally finely milled, that I experienced absolutely no residue or kick back when I swirled my brushes across its surface. This fine texture also allows for a seamless look deposited to one’s skin, helping the powder appear natural when worn, as opposed to sitting just at the surface level. The bronzer colour is a warm tan, and yet still light enough that paler complexions can probably carry it off as well (applied with a lighter hand). Lasting powder was excellent as well, easily going past the 10 hour mark before I noticed any significant fading.

My personal preference in how to wear this product, is by first applying a light dusting of the bronzer section to the key areas of my face (cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose) as well as my neck, then swirling all 3 sections together and picking up slightly more of the blush coloured portions, and applying that to the apples of the cheeks as well as temples. This gives a gorgeous sun-kissed glow, with a healthy flush to the cheeks – think “I just got back from a day at the beach” kind of look. Of course, one can always add a touch more blush, for a stronger definition.

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition (the 3 shades shown individually)

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, Emilio Pucci Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush

My only other Guerlain Terracotta bronzer, is the limited edition Emilio Pucci Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush that was released in 2012 (see my review here), another hybrid product housed in a similar compact, but with obvious differences. Starting with the scent (violets as opposed to Tiaré), the Emilio Pucci also holds a highlighter strip with the blusher portions significantly harder to pick up individually, while the bronzer section is paler and more pink-tinted in comparison to that of Sun Celebration.

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush swatch (left), Emilio Pucci Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush swatch (right)

Guerlain | Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition with gift makeup bag

Still available at some Guerlain counters, I can’t recommend this product enough – if you pick up just one bronzer this season, you absolutely need to make it the Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush. Of course, this jewel of a cosmetic product does come with a hefty price tag, but if you consider that you’re getting both a bronzer AND 2 blush shades – all of which are of the highest quality no less – then it’s really a bargain. Then again, if you’re a blush/bronzer fiend like me, do you really need a reason?

*Purchased product(s)

Guerlain Météorites Bubble Blush #01 Pink, Spring 2014

March 12, 2014

New in the Météorites range for Guerlain for Spring 2014, is the Bubble Blush (CAN $48.00) and it joins the ranks of cream blushes that seem to be abounding these days. Available in two shades – #01 Pink & #02 Cherry, this is a dome-shaped blush that applies creamy and comes to a more powdery finish, with its subtle shimmer imparting a softly luminous look to the skin. Redolent with the brand’s signature violet fragrance, the scent doesn’t linger too long – good to know, if you happen to have sensitivities.

The #01 Pink shade I was sent to review, is a ‘macaron pink’ hue that appears to look either warm toned if seen in direct sunlight, or cooler-leaning when viewed in dimmer light (probably due to the ultra-fine silvery shimmer within). Surprisingly and given my skin tone, this colour actually works really well on me to provide a fresh-faced cheek, while the shimmery bits add a nice touch of depth overall to keep it from appearing flat. Lasting power was about average, lasting approximately 7 hours – pretty much what I expected from this finish.

The way I like to use this blush, is to apply it directly to the skin, and then use the heat from my fingers to blend it out, although it does need to be finished off with a buffing brush to prevent it from looking like it’s simply sitting on the skin’s surface.

A word about the packaging: I was a little stumped by why Guerlain, known for some of the most über-luxurious packaging in the industry, would choose a white & seemingly cheap-looking plastic container for this product, but I’ve actually come to appreciate it on several levels. To begin with, you don’t have to deal with the fingerprint mess you’d normally have with a more reflective surface. Secondly, the plastic keeps the cost down and also makes it more lightweight to use. Lastly, I think that opting for plastic packaging, is in line with the whole lighthearted feel of this blush. This might be a deal-breaker for some, but in the end, the product speaks for itself – I’m totally loving everything about this little bubbly beauty!